MCMEO investigating 2 unrelated toddler opioid overdoses

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office (MCMEO) is investigating two unrelated toddler opioid overdoses on Tuesday, Aug. 31.

Officials say the deaths were both illicit fentanyl overdoses and occurred in July.

MCMEO currently investigating the unrelated deaths of two toddlers from illicit fentanyl overdoses. Both occurred in July. #EndOverdosehttps://t.co/OyKby6nwEf

— Medical Examiner (@mkemedexamine) August 31, 2021

Tuesday is International Overdose Awareness Day. Officials say Milwaukee County experienced a record high of 546 people who lost their lives to overdose last year. More than 1,500 people lost their lives in Wisconsin.

"These numbers are a result of the availability of the ultra-potent synthetic opioid fentanyl and social isolation caused by the pandemic," Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett said. 

Meantime, the Milwaukee County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition is hosting a public memorial on Tuesday at Zeidler Union Square to honor lives lost, support individuals and families, and offer prevention resources.

Last year, Milwaukee County experienced a record high of 546 people who lost their lives to overdose, with more than 1,500 lost in Wisconsin. These numbers are a result of the availability of the ultra-potent synthetic opioid fentanyl and social isolation caused by the pandemic.

— Mayor Tom Barrett (@MayorOfMKE) August 30, 2021